Abstract

Microorganisms are known to produce a variety of enzymes that have dominating applications in industrial sectors. Proteases are an important group of enzymes produced by many organisms and are well-known for their extensive distribution in industrial and medical uses. The study aimed to isolate and screen bacteria from soil samples with protease producing potential. Protease hydrolyzing bacteria were isolated from soil samples using standard microbiological procedures. The isolates were screened for protease producing potential using Skimmed Milk Agar (SMA) medium. Isolates with high Proteolytic activity index were selected and further screened quantitatively in liquid medium to determine protease enzyme activity. The efficient isolates were then identified through morphological and biochemical characteristics. Twenty-seven (27) bacterial isolates were isolated and screened, and sixteen (16) exhibited the ability to secrete protease with different potential. Based on the proteolytic index, three strains of bacteria; Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis, showed high proteolytic index values of 2.8mm, 1.87mm, and 2.67mm respectively, with efficiency of protease enzyme activity of 8.46U/mL, 5.4U/mL, and 11.7U/mL, respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that the Bacillus species isolated from soil source has protease production capacity. However, molecular characterization and optimization of protease production on conventional and agro-industrial waste as substrate for maximum utilization of the strains should be explored.